![\"Hometown](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DSCN2242-scaled-e1778273349528-1024x758.jpg\")
Sgt. Alan Kozak, who served in the U.S. Army during the Cold War, is one of dozens of local veterans who in recent years have been honored by Hellertown\u2019s popular Hometown Hero banner program. (FILE PHOTO)<\/p>\n
Police Pension Contributions Waived<\/p>\n
Council unanimously decided to eliminate police officer member contributions to the borough\u2019s police pension plan for the balance of 2026, effective May 17.<\/p>\n
Council has directed actuarial firm Foster & Foster to deliver a separate report to the pension board with recommendations on a sliding-scale contribution model that would tie officer contributions to the plan\u2019s funded percentage going forward. The waiver adopted Monday is \u201cfor relief for the balance of calendar year 2026 only,\u201d Council Vice President Larry O\u2019Donnell said.<\/p>\n
$19K Parking Study Authorized<\/p>\n
Council voted to authorize a seven-task parking study along Main Street, Water Street and one block in each direction along Front Street at an approximate cost of $19,340. O\u2019Donnell said that in 2008, a study found the borough had adequate parking, but that recent and future development in town could lead to higher demand for spaces.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cNow, things have changed, the traffic volume has changed, business and warehouses\u2026there are more restaurants on Main Street,\u201d O\u2019Donnell said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe issue with parking in the borough is not going to go away\u2026 The business owners, especially on Main Street, are screaming for some relief,\u201d he said. \u201cTraffic is going to get worse, that\u2019s just how it is\u2026 We need to be prepared, and I think a parking study is a good first step.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rieger Floats Repealing Sidewalk Ordinance Entirely<\/p>\n
Councilman Tom Rieger told Zoning and Codes Enforcement Officer Terri Fadem he supports her current approach to sidewalk enforcement<\/a> but added, \u201cIf this continues, I would be in support of repealing the sidewalk ordinances in its entirety.\u201d Rieger argued that sidewalk maintenance is fundamentally a property-owner responsibility and called the borough\u2019s current efforts<\/a> \u201can undue administrative burden.\u201d<\/p>\n Rieger said he was \u201cnot a fan of unfunded mandates.\u201d Councilwoman Gail Nolf moved to add the discussion to a June council meeting agenda.<\/p>\n Nolf and Rieger then went back and forth over what a \u201cmeaningful discussion\u201d of the subject might entail. \u201cI don\u2019t think a meaningful discussion could be had when the other side of the opinion doesn\u2019t want to be listened to,\u201d Rieger said.<\/p>\n Heritage Day, Music in the Park and Library Updates<\/p>\n On Heritage Day\u2013scheduled for Saturday, May 16, rain or shine\u2013O\u2019Donnell said events will be split between the Heller-Wagner Grist Mill on W. Walnut Street and the Heller Homestead on Friedensville Road (Water Street), with shuttle buses connecting the two sites and additional parking available at the middle school and the former Rite Aid lot on Main Street.\u00a0<\/p>\n The event will include classic cars, a petting zoo, a beer tent and multiple music acts, including the Allentown Band and the Saucon Valley High School Marching Band.<\/p>\n